Top 10 Rom Com Actors Who Don't Get the Credit They Deserve

Cutting her teeth on the hit series “Community”, Gillian Jacobs was preparing herself for a career full of comedy. Since then, she has gone on to build herself an impressive list of credits, including the 2018 rom-com “Ibiza”. The Netflix production is an underrated flick that allows Jacobs to showcase her ability to remain grounded and laugh-out-loud hilarious at the same time. Between 2016 and 2018, she also starred in the Netflix series “Love”. Following two polar opposites embarking on a challenging relationship, the nuanced story established Jacobs’s chops as a romantic lead. It’s hard to believe she told Glamour in 2016 that she’s never been drawn to the genre. Hopefully that’s changed!

The late Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of the most revered actors of our generation. Although mostly known for his dramatic roles in films like “The Master” and “Capote”, he was also a skilled comedic performer. One needs to look no further than his unforgettable role in 2004’s “Along Came Polly”. Starring opposite comedy pros Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston, it’s Hoffman who steals the show. Playing Sandy Lyle, a former child star and BFF to Stiller’s character, his performance is comedy at its finest. From his off-key singing to his outlandish one-liners, Hoffman excels in the role, leaving everyone in stitches. And as director and star of “Jack Goes Boating”, he showed a great instinct for romantic dramedy.

Starring in comedies like “School of Rock”, “Tropic Thunder” and “Nacho Libre” , Jack Black has earned his stripes as one of Hollywood’s go-to comedic actors. Therefore, his work in romantic comedies gets lost in the shuffle. In the 2000s, he appeared as a sidekick to rom-com royalty, John Cusack, in the music-centered flick “High Fidelity”. It was only the next year when he played opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the irreverent rom-com “Shallow Hal”. And with the ensemble romance “The Holiday”, he melted Kate Winslet’s heart with his swoon worthy performance, while staying true to his distinct sense of humor. It turns out Black is a very versatile charmer.

Best known as Nick Miller on “New Girl”, Jake Johnson was one half of television’s most talked-about couples during the 2010s. His chemistry with Zooey Deschanel evolved a hilarious friendship into a classic TV rom-com. However, fans might forget that the series isn’t Johnson’s only venture in that genre. In 2011, he played Ashton Kutcher’s pal in “No Strings Attached”. Not long after, he was a lead in Joe Swanberg’s film “Drinking Buddies”, also starring Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick and Ron Livingston. All of the film’s dialogue is improvised. It’s an impressive feat, yet unsurprising given Johnson’s knack for spinning comedy gold. As “New Girl” shows, he can be so much more to romances than a funny friend.

Long before she was a “Bad Mom” or Agatha Harkness, Kathryn Hahn was appearing in some of the most beloved comedies of the 2000s. Playing Kate Hudson’s pal in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”, Hahn became an official member of the rom-com club. The next year, she was in “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!”, then appeared alongside Reese Witherspoon in 2010’s “How Do You Know?”. She also leads comedies with more dramatic sensibilities like HBO’s “Mrs. Fletcher”. Although Hahn’s recent breakout roles in film and television haven’t seen her return to rom-coms as of late, we’re excited for the possibility.

No stranger to the genre, Joan Cusack has built an illustrious filmography that includes some of the biggest rom-coms of all time. From her Oscar-nominated performance in “Working Girl” to “Broadcast News”, she was in some of the best romantic flicks of the 80s and 90s. Cusack seems to typically play the show-stealer, never the show; but even as the quirky best friend or the offbeat co-worker, she always shines bright. Whether Cusack will land a long-overdue lead role in her own romantic comedy or not, she’s brought many memorable performances to the genre.

After working on “The Daily Show” as a correspondent, Jessica Williams set her sights on the silver screen. Following her appearances in films like “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and “People Places Things”, she finally had an opportunity to lead a film. In “The Incredible Jessica James”, Williams plays an aspiring playwright going through a tough breakup. Starring alongside Lakeith Stanfield and Chris O'Dowd, she did an incredible job of balancing both humor and heart. She continued to enchant streaming with the second season of HBO Max’s “Love Life”, and the Netflix animated movie “Entergalactic”. Her rom-com chops clearly transcend formats.

A couple of years after his departure from “Saturday Night Live”, Bill Hader made the leap from sketch comedy to romantic comedy. Pairing up with Amy Schumer for 2015’s “Trainwreck”, Hader got to play a sports doctor who falls for Schumer’s carefree character. In the role, Hader is everything audiences could want in a leading man. He’s charming, kind, and, of course, has an impeccable sense of humor. Mind you, this isn’t Hader’s first venture into the genre. In the 2000s, he had small roles in “You, Me and Dupree” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”. And we’re keeping our fingers crossed he will be back for more soon.

Rashida Jones has been a staple of comedies since the 2000s, both on the small and silver screen. However, it wasn’t until 2012 when she got to step into a leading role in the indie rom-com “Celeste and Jesse Forever”, which she also co-wrote. It’s now considered one of her greatest works to date. In the film, she and Adam Samberg play two best friends who also happen to be divorced. With the story told from her point of view, Jones offers up a performance that is as funny as it is heartbreaking. Honestly, we think the world of romantic comedies could definitely use a little more Rashida in it.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Topher Grace
Let’s Get Topher Grace in More Rom-Coms, Please & Thanks!

Cristin Milioti
We’d Get Lost in a Time Loop With Her Any Day

Ali Wong
From Stand-Up to the Silver Screen, Ali Wong Can Do Anything!

Rupert Everett
From the Moment We Wake Up, We’re Still Thinking About His Rom-Com Chops

DeWanda Wise
DeWanda Wise is “Someone Great”, Indeed!

If there’s anyone in showbiz who deserves more recognition, it’s Judy Greer. The actress has well over 150 credits, building a name for herself as one of Hollywood’s most steadily working performers. A true staple of the rom-com genre, Greer has appeared in films such as “13 Going on 30”, “What Women Want”, “The Wedding Planner” and “27 Dresses”. We could list them off, but we’d be here all day! The versatile character actress is always consistent, sincere and impressive. Although she has ventured into many other genres, she’ll always be a rom-com queen.

Which one of the rom-com actors is your favorite? Be sure to let us know in the comments!